Summer is in full swing and it’s time for nutritious, delicious and festive salads. if you are looking to serve your family healthier fare, these snazzy recipes are both hearty and satisfying. From green salads – to fruit salads – to salad bowls, this yummy array of twenty festive salads make a great main dish, side, or even dessert!

Jazzy Salad Niçoise with Lemon-Dijon Dressing – With a tasty and tangy dressing, tender tiny potatoes, colorful green beans, savory baked tofu, creamy chickpeas, fresh tomatoes and salty olives, Jazzy Salad Niçoise with Lemon-Dijon Dressing is reminiscent of the French classic. Hearty and filling, it’s the perfect salad to serve for a supper entrée or as a first course for a fancy soirée.
Cucumber, Tomato and Mini-Pepper Salad – Fresh and fabulous, this quick Cucumber, Tomato and Mini-Pepper Salad combines refreshing cucumbers, tiny tomatoes and sweet pepper rings drizzled in a very light balsamic dressing that lets the taste of the veggies shine through.
Andy’s Favorite Potato Salad – My husband loves this potato salad so much that I just had to name it after him. A real crowd-pleaser, Andy’s Potato Salad uses tender red potatoes, combined with crisp carrots and crunchy celery all smothered in a sassy vegan mayonnaise sauce.
Romaine, Mini-Pepper and Walnut Salad – Romaine, Mini-Pepper and Walnut Salad is a simple salad that packs a punch of flavor and crunch. This dish makes the perfect accompaniment to a company meal or weeknight family supper.
Herbed Rice and Bean Salad – Leftover rice rejoice! This Herbed Rice and Bean Salad is the perfect way to incorporate cooked brown rice into a super sassy summer salad. The chickpeas provide a pop of protein, while a rainbow of veggies add vibrant color and tantalizing texture. For entertaining purposes, you can make this salad well ahead of time and refrigerate until serving – so it’s an ideal star for serving at a warm weather get-together!
Tex-Mex Salad Bowl – This Tex-Mex Salad Bowl features a zingy lime-based dressing, paired with crisp romaine and cooked garbanzo beans. But since a Tex-Mex style salad is traditionally made with black beans, I decided to add a jazzy twist by substituting black bean tortilla chips as a festive garnish. The chips provide a pleasing crunch, flavor and texture, adding a wow factor to this satisfying salad.
Busiate, Radish and Mini Pepper Salad -This tempting Busiate, Radish and Mini Pepper Salad gets jazzy pizzazz from spicy red radishes and sweet mini peppers. Serve this tasty, cold pasta dish any time a hearty salad is required. If preferred, you can use penne or fusilli pasta in this dish.
Kale, Lime and Almond Salad – A zingy punch of freshly squeezed lime juice adds freshness to this unique Kale, Lime and Almond Salad. This lively combination is sure to please when you’re looking to serve up your daily greens with a piquant flair.
Colorful Coleslaw with a Kick! – My husband calls Colorful Coleslaw with a Kick “hot” slaw because it has a good bit of spice to it, and it’s super satisfying!
Sweet Arugula Salad with Maple-Balsamic Dressing – Sweet Arugula Salad has a maple-y dressing paired with tangy dried cranberries, crisp Granny Smith apples and spicy arugula makes a tempting salad combination.
Almost Ambrosia Salad – “Yum!” is all I can say about this truly satisfying Almost Ambrosia fruit salad. Reminiscent of a classic ambrosia, but sans the overly sweet marshmallows, this lively dish is great to serve for a morning treat but also works well as a first course for an elegant dinner party.
Grape Tomato, Avocado and Fresh Herb Salad – I was inspired by the herbs from my deck garden as well as some beautiful grape tomatoes at my local farm market to create this refreshing Grape Tomato, Avocado and Fresh Herb Summer Salad.
Chickpea-Tomato Salad with Tofu “Feta” – This tantalizing Chickpea-Tomato Salad with Tofu “Feta” is one that I like to serve when I’m entertaining. Marinating the tofu in this lively combination of Greek-style herbs and spices makes a delightful vegan “cheese.” Even if you are not a fan of tofu, you’ll appreciate this tasty twist on a classic salad.
Carrot, Cabbage and Walnut Coleslaw – Carrot, Cabbage and Walnut Coleslaw is crisp, lemony and inviting. It is an unusual take on coleslaw and adds color and crunch to any meal.

Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Mustard Dressing – Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing blends baby spinach, pumpkin seeds and crisp apples topped with a tangy oil-free dressing.

Avocado Salad Parfaits – Here’s a festive and fabulous way to serve a first course salad, any time of the year. Spooned into tiny parfait or champagne glasses, these Avocado Salad Parfaits provides a refreshing change to a standard green salad.
Jicama and Spinach Salad – Crunchy Jicama and Spinach Salad is a tasty salad with a jazzy twist.
Chickpea and Quinoa Salad in Sweet Pepper Boats – Chickpea and Quinoa Salad in Sweet Pepper Boats makes an excellent portable picnic lunch entrée.

Avocado-Tofu Salad – Avocado-Tofu Salad features creamy avocado, fresh greens, almonds and tofu in a lemony dressing.
Festive Kale Salad – Festive Kale Salad makes an inviting start to any summer meal.

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